Completed Dissolving The Fantasy

[Reaver Riatal]

Giving his charming smile as his questions where answered he was happy to hear he was among at least someone seasoned in the exploits of this city. He was still attempting to master its many many confusing streets. Though he felt disappointed as Wyatti hadn't answered herself. Curious to gain more information from the people around him. Not for any real benefit of his own but simply so he could understand them. Know how they think, and understand the proper way to respond to them. It was the one mystery that remained constant and ever new to him. Even if he learned every use of djed and managed to cast it perfectly. He may yet trade every skill he had with magic so as to understand everyone around him. But he was distracting himself as Ricky had arrived and not without what had been promised on their way here.

Smiling again with plenty of joy in his heart as he saw the food placed before him. Much as he had suspected it was some type of fish dish, though he found he really didn't care so long as he could eat something. Quickly working he picked apart what had been placed before him trying not to be picky in wake of the kindness offered. What he first most notably found was it was hot, quite hot in point of fact. Quickly he chewed his food then swallowed taking a few quick breaths in an attempt to cool his mouth. Letting out a small grunt he hoped to spur some more lunch conversation.

"I had heard, Zeltiva was quite fond of its fish but still. I wished they had more land for agriculture, get a little more vegetables, and grain. Perhaps brew something else besides kelp beer." He smiled as he took another chunk from his fish and blew on it. Reaver's question was open to anyone though his sharp blue eyes looked at Valo's. The air around the table was one he couldn't quite identify with. The smile that kept strong on his face as he looked around the table. Little Wyatti was quite the child indeed. Though he expected little else of a still young Kelvic girl, though he quickly was impressed by her table manners and her restraint in just openly devouring her meal like an animal normally would.

Reaver took a moment to examine the table. Taking in expressions and actions once more trying to read the mood. It was hard for him to discern what others where thinking but he liked to guess at least. It always made for just a little more fun for him. He cast his gaze around the table always trying to get a little more knowledge from his peers. He hadn't interacted with people like this back in Syliras very often. It was so wonderful to have a fresh start. New people to speak with and learn from, actually make friends without fear of being judged. Though he did have to worry about being discovered as a wizard he felt strangely comfortable around these people.

Usually he felt himself more guarded around people especially with a mood like this one. He couldn't read anything from these people but he also didn't seem to care. So the smile he wore was filled with nothing but genuine relief and calm, perhaps even just a little bit of joy. Listening to everyone around and the table though he did feel a little out of place. Like the mood could be more merry. And that there was something being with held. But that was all he could observe within reason and without assuming. Though he supposed it was none of his business, and as the conversation carried on Reaver happily ate his meal.

[Valo]

Almost as soon as he spoke, Valo had taken his eyes from Reaver and allowed them to wonder freely around the Grotto. And it wasn't long before those very green eyes of his rested upon Ricky, studying the posture of the bear man. He had clenched his fists in a manner that certified to his deep thought and ill mood. The brief outline of the burly body which echoed inner turmoil. Though perhaps it was the recent happenings that led him to think this, for just over a fortnight ago, it was Ricky whom he had to scrape off the floor of the Kelp Bar in a complete state of intoxication. Valo wondered what was the cause of this immanent sadness? How many times had this drinking repeated?

The moment Ricky looked in their direction Valo flashed him a warm smile, a reassuring smile. He was about to get up and assist in the tedious job of carrying the food to the tables, but the chance to do so was quickly swept away from him by Ricky doing pretty well on his own. And with all four plates down on the table, and the sweet smell of hot fish effervescing in the air around them, he had taken a sear directly opposite the artist, opening him self up to complete cognizance. But it wasn't that which the kind eyes of the artist performed, but rather a gentle kind of observation. Not the constant one where a man would perpetually gaze upon another, but a periodic one. And each time they happened to lock their gazes, Valo would give him a warm, reassuring smile. A reply to the obviously counterfeit smile within the sailor's features, a carefully composed and forced smile, meticulously designed to fool them all.

"Well then, let's get to eatin'!" Ricky said with an attempt at enthusiasm, which conveyed once again as desperate reassurance of his comrades.

Valo dug into his fish with an unintentional discontent. To be frank he didn't really concentrate on the food, for his mind was swarmed with thoughts. His eyes lowered, focusing on nothing in particular. His features relaxed into a face which was not quite present. Though in fact still remaining in reality, he did little to manifest that. Seemed his most natural of expressions was that of simple day dreaming.

But he had been worried for Ricky.

Life had been good to Valo. He grew up in a stable home with a kind mother and beloved half siblings. He'd been thoroughly educated as a child in both physical knowledge and manners and perhaps this was the reason for his soft heart. A hart that could not help but concern it self with the welfare of everyone it encounters, no matter how this a thread connects them.

Beside him, Wyatti wasted little time at devouring her food like a charming little beast. Her manner was quite endearing really, as Valo had observed, for she was bold and blunt and worried little of the implications of her actions on the thoughts of those around her. A freer way of living. The way of a cat. And quite rightly so, for she was still a growing child and the food had to meet the demands of her person.

Reaver in turn seemed as if he was always smiling. A perpetual charming smile which eventually became so recognisable to Valo. And a wonderful thing it was, for as Valo learned many a time, a smile breaks down the barriers between people. It helps convey noble intentions and therefore relaxes the receiver. A smile is a little ray of sunshine, lingering within one's features which, as if by magic, renders the other unable to smile back. And a truly powerful smile is the one with no hidden meaning or hidden goal behind it. A noble smile. An act of random kindness which takes so very little energy. Being the gentlemanly type, it often occurred to Valo that Mizahar would be such a lovelier place if strangers on the street took time to smile at one another. And even despite having burned his mouth somewhat, Reaver had maintained that smile which was most notably impressive.

He had looked to Valo with those eyes of his which were blue beyond doubt. Raising his own, the artist met them in a temporary lock of gazes, a pleasant, if not very slight, curve of his lip into a tranquil smile.

Yet suddenly something dawned on Valo. The man, Reaver had completely disregarded the question he previously posed and failed to dignify it with an answer. was he hiding something? Perhaps a more ominous purpose in Zeltiva, for which he had not yet though up a freezable alternative tail. And though Valo could not sense a sinister aura about him, did not mean that the man was not simply a good actor. What other purpose would there be for ignoring such a simple question, other than regarding it as invasive. Then again at least some sort of an answer would be better than none. At least a straight forward 'You sir have no business in my business.' ceased to convey a sense of secrecy about the ordeal.

The red haired artist's eyes narrowed by just a fraction. His mind spun into gear with a smile of a much different substance than the previous, calm one. His lips were parted ever so slightly, with the very corners curled upwards and his eyes were alight by the fire of cunning thought processes. His head cooked to the side at the most subtle of angles. In fact all this change within Valo was very subtle indeed and to a random onlooker there would appear to be no change at all. But upon a closer inspection, one could tell that when the the artist's interest had been grabbed, he almost transmutated into a more animated, more alive version of him self. What was Reaver's game? How could Valo find out without interrogation this fellow before him?

[Ricky Maze]

"Why do you have big arms? Do you fight things? Like... really big things?" Wyatti asked as she poked Ricky's arm, Ricky would've normally laughed if he were in the correct mood. All part of his facade though, he still managed to chuckle as he swallowed the fourth bite he took when she asked the question. "I hauled in plenty o' big fish if that's what yer askin." He held the smile in place as he took of his cotton coat and placed it on the back of his chair. His short sleeved shirt revealing the biceps he had, but that wasn't the reason he took the coat off. "I did fight a few big things during my journey though, like the scar I have here." He pulled up his left sleeve to show the girl his scar, a mark that was made and left within his history. "Got this from a bear, after leavin Zeltiva too. I was headin to Syliras so I could sail over to Kalea." He wondered how curious Wyatti was now, seeing that Ricky had ventured outside the city and into the world. It was interesting for him to say the least, yet it was all part of history now. A history that he wished to go back to. As Ricky went in for another bite of the delicious steamy salty fish Reaver was the one to speak next. "I had heard, Zeltiva was quite fond of its fish but still. I wished they had more land for agriculture, get a little more vegetables, and grain. Perhaps brew something else besides kelp beer." Reaver stated in what seemed to be a casual manner, Ricky almost inhaled his food and coughed a bit when he did. He wondered to himself 'What the petch is this man thinkin?' As he cleared his throat and swallowed the bite with ease. A exhale of relief escaped his nostrils as the food made a safe travel to his stomach instead of his lungs. "Eh-what makes you say that?" He inquired to the man while keeping his emotions in control, he preferred to listen to the man's opinion before he snapped. Honestly Ricky preferred not snapping at all really, but the curiosity was overwhelmed and matched with a curious wonder as to what gave Reaver such an opinion. To Ricky Zeltiva was perfectly fine, it had been his home for all his life and he felt obligated to defend it. Whether its with a weapon or words he would do so either way, such a thing was part of his "duty" now he was a Wave Guard. Valo was the one that was quiet now, whether his look spelled concern or curiosity was unknown to Ricky. Yet no doubt being the artist of the group his observation would reveal the irritation Ricky had, yet the origin of it still remained unknown to them. Yes indeed the both of them; for Ricky hadn't the slightest clue where this irritation was coming from. He was in the same boat as his observer, only difference was Ricky was directly in the midst of it all.

[Wyatti]

Wyatti listened to Ricky as he spoke, her eyes lighting up on the though of adventure and the world outside of Zeltiva. Her mind was consumed by the power of imagination, a skill that only children were capable to master, to think up wondrous battles between man and monster. And that perhaps that Ricky was no ordinary fisherman, but instead a warrior in disguse. It was obvious to her at least. So she continued to look upon the man with awe, questions running through her mind until Reaver spoke.

"I had heard, Zeltiva was quite fond of its fish but still. I wished they had more land for agriculture, get a little more vegetables, and grain. Perhaps brew something else besides kelp beer."
"Eh-what makes you say that?"

She paused and looked at the two men, her attention briefly drawn away from thoughts of fantasy. But this time she focused herself on Reaver, watching the lanky gentleman smile pleasantly, yet watching all. It seemed as if the man was concerned not by the prescene of the people, but more over the impression he put upon them, and if the correct phrases were being used. Her nostrils flared for a moment, her eyes briefly narrowing as she watched the man relax, taking in his scent properly this time, a scent of burning wood, of fire and ash. Her eyes drifted to Valo, and watched the two men lock their gazes from across the table, a small questioning look growing in his eyes. She could see his thoughts turning and becoming turmoil, her ears pricking, her eyes and memory scanning for hints and answers.

We came into the grotto, and he was the first to sit down. He seemed a bit distant at first, as if focusing on something else, but then he paid attention. He asked about Zeltiva, but then Valo had asked him a question... oh what was it? Something to do with purpose... of being here... Ah! What was his purpose in Zeltiva? Did he answer though? No he did not...

She looked upon Valo, and then turned her attention to Reaver, this time paying full attention, scanning every little detail about the man. Fire, heat, she could smell it strongly now, as if it had become part of his very being. Her lip curled. Why did Reaver did not answer? She discarded thoughts of imagination and fantasy, an intense and focused look growing upon her face. Although there seemed nothing wrong with Reaver himself, she felt as if he was hiding something, a secret, a mystery that he wished not to share. But now the mind of the Kelvic was set, and the wish to exploit it was on her main priority.

It was upon this time that she realised the true advantage of being her age. She could get away with asking the questions that no one else was capable of asking, or were simply too scared to ask. The issue now however was asking the right one. She took another bite of her fish as she thought, her mind turning and growing sharp. Wood, fire, heat, why does he smell of so? She wanted to know, but asking why he had such an odour would not be the best tactic. She could see Ricky 'the bear warrior' looking at Valo now, a questioning look growing also on his face, of wondering where this origin of irritation was arising from. And then, Wyatti had a thought.

Her brow relaxed, her eyes growing soft and kitten like, a large grin growing across her face as she continued to eat. But her mind remained sharp and ready to pick up on any action or subtle move he made. She had forced calm upon herself, and knew that Reaver's next answer would hopefully give light to his person.

"So," she cleared her throat, her large eyes now focused solely on Reaver "If Mister Ricky is a might bear warrior... Does that make you ah.... Big powerful... super wizard? I mean really, really powerful?"

[Reaver Riatal]

As he dined he looked to Ricky as he rather quickly moved to defend his city. Hoping that the man proved to be more intellect than brute he'd see reason behind his logic. The honest last thing he'd want to do is get into a fight, especially here, especially now, especially with no real competency in physical pursuits. So if a fight where to spring forth from a wrong comment he'd end up the unhappy recipient to a lot of pain. He wouldn't call for this flames in a well known very public establishment. Though he knew he could easily melt the man's flesh, watch his skin burn away as his eyeballs cooked in his skull. He'd be found out as a mage, and without knowledge of weather or not this town did in point of fact teach magic. He'd play it safe even if that means taking a bruise or perhaps breaking a bone.

And now with some small fear he looked to Ricky, trying to project his calm and usual manner. His charmed smile ever present smile spreading across his lips. "I'm merely making a small wish is all, back in Syliras my own home city. I understand that its of a larger size, and can import more than Zeltiva. Also that Zeltiva has limited options in terms of landmass, but a beer brewed there had options in taste. I'd be willing to buy a few bottles to sample with you some time. Though kelp beer is alluring with it intoxication, it greatly takes a nose dive in taste. But what kelp beer is the reverse is true for Sylirian ale."

Keeping his looking as pleasant and not hostile at all, his black hair drifting lightly across his brow. His sharp blue eyes looked Ricky up and down trying to see if he can find any sign of aggression. Wondering if he should curl up into a ball and prepare for the punching or if it was easier to just turn his cheek and take the pain like a man. Though before he was able to examine further his attention was broken. His eyes swiftly moved to little Wyatti quickly he became irritated. And as she spoke the words felt like they where piercing right through his chest like a spear.

"If Mister Ricky is a might bear warrior... Does that make you ah.... Big powerful... super wizard? I mean really, really powerful?"

Well shyke that's the worst possible thing he could have possibly been asked, and quickly his left eye twitched. It was so small and slight it would be doubtful someone would notice, though if someone was watching him and observant they'd catch it easily. He knew she was still just a child but apparently she was a child with a loaded crossbow. Silently he sat and managed to push forth another convincing smile, he had no idea how he had managed but it was out front. Though a lingering fear grew in his sharp blue eyes as he looked at the young girl. Quickly he started to think and quick like a whip he decided to play along.

"Why yes, yes I am a wizard. Magic and power flying from my finger tips~" Reaver brought his hand high into the air, shaking it gently. His other hand moved quick as it could to pluck a knife from the table. "I'm able to conjure and control~" He brought his hand back down and smiled as his plan was quickly weaving to its fruition. "Watch as I put every eye before me in the room, and conjure a blade from my sleeve~" In this moment he quickly stood up, the blade kept out of sight as it slid into his black glove.

He took off his coat revealing his black vest and his red button up shirt. Twirling it in the air as he stood up on his chair, the spinning coat and the tall thin man on the chair drew attention. The gaze of the patrons held, focused on him like moth to the flame. Then as he held onto his finely rolled up coat he quickly drew it down into his chest. "My blade of metal~ Strong and bright~ Bring forth your might~ And shine in this fine mid noon light!" With that he flung his arm upwards while at the same time forcing the knife down with his pinkie finger. Though he bent his arm and let it slide into his grip, he clutched it quickly. Then he flung his hand skyward sending the knife into the roof. "Whoops perhaps I got a little too excited."

He looked up at as it clutched to the ceiling, it dropped and the blade end fell aiming right for Reaver. With wide eyes he put a foot on the top of the chair and leaning back. He was about to attempt a bar trick he had scene and never attempted, as the knife fell and sunk into the front edge of the chair seat. However he quickly lost his balance and fumbled back eyes still wide. Lifting his brown booted leg to travel backwards he nearly tripped before finding his footing once more. Balancing out he looked around the bar turning flush in embarrassment, though as a few claps rose from the patrons he smiled. Managing to have done his trick without serious injury, though his ankle hurt a little he supposed what mattered is he distracted everyone. Looking at his companions for their opinions on his 'magic'.

[Valo]

It was good to hear of Ricky's adventures past Zeltiva. In fact it was good to be able to learn more about the man whom Valo had warmed to with such ease. And the mention of Kalea had left him wondering which cities did he visit? Had he ever been to Wind Reach? Had he a taste of the intricate Inarta culture? Then the conversation shifted. There was apparent anger within Ricky, as the man Reaver spoke. An unmissable anger. And it made little sense to the young artist why such anger would arise at, what was essentially, just an insignificant opinion of a stranger who mattered not to the overall fabric of the city. He was merely an outlander complaining of something beyond his reach. Could Ricky really be so easily hurt, for is if that's the case then the title of the 'bear warrior' was indeed a good one, not based on his strength and size, but on the ease with which one could provoke him. However something caused the red haired observer to doubt this notion. Perhaps there was a deeper reason that swayed the bear man's behaviour. Valo was merely an observer and if it would come to physical confrontation between Ricky and the lanky man dressed in red, he would do little to prevent it. He could truly do little else besides talking intelligently. Perhaps his charisma would calm both men, perhaps not. But it wasn't within his wish to be caught in cross fire. The next thing that left Wyatti's mouth was a statement to her quick wit. In fact a statement to how sharp mind think alike and perhaps she'd been aboard the same train of thought as he. For maybe her next question was not the auditory version of his very pondering, it did challenge Reaver in such a way that only a child could challenge. "So," she cleared her throat, her large eyes now focused solely on Reaver "If Mister Ricky is a might bear warrior... Does that make you ah.... Big powerful... super wizard? I mean really, really powerful?" she asked. It was clear she was far from stupid and only resided in the idea of an innocent child. Her age allowed her to ask seemingly silly questions that bore an ominous shadow of cunningness within them. A cunning creature she was and Valo expected no less. What fallowed that very question was quite an elaborate display of what was a mix of mockery of the clever little girl, and perhaps an attempt at hiding something. Though perhaps Valo only thought Reaver was hiding some important information about him self because his previous question remained unanswered. There was one thing that Valo was sure of however and that was "This man sure loves to make a spectacle of him self." whispered Valo beneath his breath, not sure whether to be amused or embarrassed for the man.

[Ricky Maze]

'Oi, a Syliran who thinks Zeltiva needs more.' Ricky's expression remained unchanged, but it was when Wyatti had asked a very delicate question that pointed out who Reaver was. More so what he was really, a wizard of some sort from what she asked. Ricky couldn't keep a small "Teh" from escaping his lips as he returned to eating the rest of his fish. Valo seemed to be rather curious about Ricky's adventures as well but the attention had diverted, as Reaver now stood up in his chair. Instead of watching the spectacle Reaver was putting on Ricky averted his gaze back down to the fish, tuning the man out as the fisherman came recognize an unusual characteristic he had developed. Since when was he so angry about anything? Or easily irritable for that matter? The fisherman was everything but short fused when it came to social things such as this, what exactly had triggered such a reaction out of him? As he wondered this he kept scarfing down his fish, he didn't even realize that but a fourth was now left of it. Maybe it was his pride that had caused such a reaction, a sort of innate manner he couldn't control anymore now that his mind was heavily occupied. Or was it- THUD The fall Reaver had taken made Ricky snap back into reality, a random burst of rage flared inside him that made his face turn a slight red. Yet it was a rage he kept in check as he felt part of him become irritated and another part laughed at such a scene. Not a joyous laugh either, a laugh that was more spiteful really. Ricky felt his sense of humor had become twisted in his time of morning, but then threw the idea away in another denial- No! Denying doesn't help anything anymore!! It was a spiraling whirl of confusion inside him as he felt himself become lost, yet he maintained a solid composure as pride demanded. For he was not alone yet, therefore he could not break down. Not while there were these three at risk, to ventilate such troubling aggression would surely...no the idea wasn't acceptable for this "Bear Warrior" as he was called.

[Wyatti]

Wyatti watched the performance, or more over it was not the performance she watched, but Reaver himself. He sweated, a brief element of panic, a sudden outbreak of a smell that came when the adrenal started. Oh, yes, she had hit the nail on the head of this ‘magician’ and his mockery of her intelligence. Her lip curled, her eyes narrowing as a sly look grew on her face. Burning wood, it was a strong scent now, one that was impossible to miss.

Liar.

“This man sure loves to make a spectacle of him self,” Her ears twitched at his comment.
“Well, they do say dinner and a show,” the whispered back.

But she gave a small clap at his performance, a flicker of amusement, masking her thoughts with that of a child. The other two however looked far from entertained, a small frown on Valo and a flicker of rage growing on the Bear Warrior’s face as Reaver returned to the ground. For a moment it caused Wyatti to flinch, recoiling away so she nearly rested upon Valo.
Anger was something Wyatti was far too familiar with, and something that she could easily detect. For a moment she stared, eyes widened slightly, her hand gripping tightly onto Valo’s sleeve, but this time not for reassurance. This time it was fear. She watched the Ricky for a while, a moment of hesitation before she looked down at the remains of her food. All appetite departed, no longer a want to eat, nor to really communicate with others. She had to keep alert, she had to find openings, she had to find ways of escape. Her eyes quickly darted to the exit, her eyes making a route between the tables and patrons, before snapping down to the floor. She would have to clamber past Ricky first, and with his current mood she decided perhaps it would be better to simply stay put, unless she wanted to make the situation worse of course. She let out a held in breath, but kept her eyes low, watching the world from behind her fringe.

[Reaver Riatal]

As Reaver's flush face finally settled down he walked over and rejoined his companions. Hoping that his spectacular display would distract them from, well everything else about him, secrets included. Looking to his spectators he felt unease once more as he noticed Ricky seemed more angry than before. Wyatti at least seemed pleased with the performance. Though he couldn't help but feel wary of her reaction. It was more a gut feeling, and although he was a man who prided himself for his intellect. He felt like he should most definitely follow that gut feeling right about now. And when he placed his gaze upon Valo he took pause as he seemed to be deciding between what he should feel. This was not the reaction he was hoping for. Merriment and smiles where what he wished, but from the looks of things Sivah was not granting any boons to the mood.

With a sigh he looked to his meal, the people around him seemed. Distant, he also felt that conversation would be a little difficult now. Giving an examination of his leftover fish he simply shrugged. Digging in and hopping to ignite some sort of conversation he eyed the members around the table. He figured he'd start off with something easy. Sitting up as he chewed a chunk of fish he smiled at everyone. Steadily swallowing he looked at everyone and chuckled and looked mostly at Wyatti. "So tell me. Did my display of magical prowess at least impress you all? Its not very easy I'll have you know." He offered a kind smile and tried to infect the rest with a more pleasant and less guarded mood.

A weird thought quickly struck him, as he was the one with the most to hide yet he was trying to get the conversation going. Rather than to just sit there in the awkward quiet with no questions or pointed topics. Namely pointed topics revolving or trying to force a confession from him. A frown touched the edge of his face as he remembered his days in Syliras. Definitely not the most fun experience he had ever been through. Though he'd not let his mood be spoiled by those around him and soon his smile was back and in its full charming force.

Looking left and right hoping he had managed to elevate the mood even slightly. A cold sweat broke from him as he could still feel the eyes of the patrons on him. He hoped they didn't expect a repeat performance, though he'd easily do it again if the situation called for it. Reaver found that he'd rather not let himself, the king of fire, be degraded any further. Not unless he managed to use a bit of flame in his next little distraction attempt. Then perhaps he could make it into a REAL show for everyone! Though he quickly shot his own idea down as he realized he would be very much so demonstrating his ability of djed. And as the usual, the last thing he wanted to have happen was to be chased out by people who could become his friends. Well that's if they stopped giving him these mixed and weird reactions. Honestly people where just strange sometimes.

[Valo]

People were strange sometimes indeed. And nothing had seemed stranger to Valo than this man beside him. But perhaps the artist should refrain for judging the character quite so quickly and without hesitation. All men are entitled to their very own secrets and prying was indeed not a polite manner. Perhaps this was merely in good humour, coss if so than Reaver proved entertaining beyond comparison in his somewhat ridiculous way. And finally the 'magician' had scraped something quite resembling a flicker of a smile from the artist as he finally made up his mind of what to think about the whole ordeal. However the crescent of a smile was just a flicker, quickly snuffed about by a far more pressing matter. Wyatti had backed up into him and the expression on her face was a perfect painting of unease; even more so, it was fear. What could cause such a reaction? Was it Reaver? That's preposterous, he thought, as she just clapped his flamboyant display. Then what could it be? And his eyes fallowed to the only other reasonable explanation, the fisher man who did indeed seem off beyond comparison. Anger lingered beneath his skin. "Ricky my friend." spoke Valo, diverting his attention for the Reaver and the little girl completely. He sensed Reaver's desperate attempt at elevating the mood and so thought best to initiate a moment of privacy, in which he'd attempt at calming the fisherman." Ricky, I truly hate to rip you away from your meal, but would you join me outside for a moment. Just a fraction of a second, I promise you." he said, with a soulful expression in his face. An expression of utmost concern, carved into his alabaster features. The green eyes of his, locking with those of the fisherman.